Biography

Christoph Bauer and wife

Christoph Bauer Family of Ashley

Christoph Bauer, born in 1885 in South Russia, moved to the U.S. in 1894, eventually settling in North Dakota. In 1906, he married Margaret Goebel and started farming near Lehr. After various endeavors, including running a grain elevator and working as a grain buyer, Christ entered public service as a city councilman, then as County Sheriff. Post-retirement, he supervised German prisoners in California during WWII, later becoming a park policeman in Lodi. In 1956, Christ and Margaret celebrated their 50th anniversary in Ashley before returning to Lodi, where they resided as of 1963.

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Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoffman and Alvina

Fred Hoffman Family of Ashley

Fred Hoffman, born in 1891 in Eureka, South Dakota, took on early family responsibilities after his father’s death. Moving to McIntosh County, he worked tirelessly to support his family. In 1933, he married Bertha Heyd and farmed near Ashley until 1960. A dedicated member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Fred passed away in 1962. He and Bertha had one daughter, Alvina. Mrs. Hoffman continued to reside in Ashley after the death of her husband, maintaining the legacy of resilience and family unity that defined their lives.

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John J. and Louisa Weber

John J. and Louisa Weber of Ashley

In 1901, John J. Weber, at twenty-two, homesteaded in McIntosh County, enduring hardships like droughts and blizzards. Marrying Louisa Kraemer in 1907, they farmed until 1923 when John transitioned to running a meat market and cream station in Danzig. A dedicated member of the Danzig Reformed Church, he served as elder and deacon. The Webers had three daughters, with the family deeply rooted in the Ashley area. After John’s passing in 1943, Louisa moved to Ashley, living independently into her eighties, symbolizing the enduring spirit of their pioneering life.

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Jacob J Landsiedel and wife

Jacob J. Landsiedel Family of Ashley

Jacob J. Landsiedel, born in Russia in 1900, journeyed to America as an infant, eventually settling in North Dakota. Growing up on a homestead, he witnessed the transformation from oxen to modern machinery. In 1938, he married Emelia Schilling, continuing to farm the land passed down through generations. The Landsiedels, deeply connected to their community and church, faced challenges like prairie fires and floods with resilience. Eventually moving to Ashley, they built a modern home while maintaining their farming roots. Their family, a blend of tradition and progress, remains a testament to their enduring legacy.

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G C Nitschke and wife

C. G. Nitschke Family of Ashley

Born in South Russia in 1886, G. C. Nitschke’s life journey led him to America in 1894. Marrying Katherina Heyd in 1908, they established a robust family legacy near Ashley. The Nitschkes, blessed with nine children, cultivated a life of faith and hard work on their expanding homestead. G. C.’s commitment shone through his 16-year service on the school board and his contributions to the Peace Lutheran Church. Their story is a testament to resilience, community, and enduring family bonds.

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John J Sackmann and wife

John J Sackmann Family of Ashley

Andreas Sackmann, born in 1862 in South Russia, and his wife Karolina, born in 1863, emigrated to America, homesteading near Ashley. Their legacy includes nine children, with descendants spread from Minneapolis to California. The family, deeply rooted in farming, also ventured into business in Ashley. Their lives, marked by a return to farming and active church involvement, culminated in a large, diverse family, contributing significantly to their community until their passing in the mid-20th century. Their story is a tapestry of migration, hard work, and enduring family bonds.

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Red River Valley title page vol 2

Biography of James Conkey McKendry, of Fargo, North Dakota

James Conkey McKendry (1854-unknown) was a Scottish-born Fargo resident who made significant contributions to education and public service. After farming in North Dakota, he entered the grain business in Fargo and served on the Board of Education, improving school infrastructure. Additionally, he held a position on Governor Roger Allen’s staff and was an active member of various Masonic bodies. He married Jennie R., the daughter of Senator A. Hutchinson, in Gaines, New York.

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Red River Valley title page vol 2

Biography of Hon. Louis Benjamin Hanna of Fargo North Dakota

Hon. Louis Benjamin Hanna, born on August 9, 1860, in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, has established a successful political career through primary elections. He is the choice of his party’s voters to represent his state in Washington during the next congress. Coming from a lineage of diverse backgrounds, including Scotch, Irish, English, and French descent, Mr. Hanna received his education in various cities and settled in North Dakota in 1881. Engaged in farming and finance, he founded a bank and held positions in several financial institutions. His dedication to public service led to his election as a member of the state legislature and later as a state senator. Championing the people’s interests, especially advocating for good pure food laws, Mr. Hanna is highly regarded within his party and holds a prominent position in the state.

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Red River Valley title page vol 2

Biography of Hon. Charles Joseph Fisk of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Hon. Charles Joseph Fisk, a respected jurist, was born in Illinois in 1862. After a diligent education and a successful career in law, he was elected as a district judge and later elevated to the Supreme Court of North Dakota in 1906. Fisk’s integrity, legal expertise, and genial disposition earned him wide admiration, enabling him to excel in his high office. He married Miss Ida M. Myers, and they have two daughters, Helen Marion and Doris May, who bring much joy to their lives.

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Red River Valley title page vol 2

Biography of James Henry Mathews of Larimore North Dakota

James Henry Mathews was born in Ireland, later immigrating to New York. He had a diverse career, serving in the Civil War and engaging in various businesses, from retail to real estate. Mathews settled in North Dakota, where he established a bonanza farm and actively participated in politics. He married and had five children, although two tragically passed away. Involved in numerous fraternal organizations, he also held positions in several banks, insurance companies, and land businesses, making him a prominent figure in the region’s business community. Today, Mathews remains heavily engaged in real estate, livestock, and land investments.

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